{"id":2137,"date":"2019-07-21T12:11:17","date_gmt":"2019-07-21T19:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/?p=2137"},"modified":"2023-01-04T15:40:30","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T23:40:30","slug":"brake-fluid-in-power-steering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drivinglife.net\/brake-fluid-in-power-steering\/","title":{"rendered":"Can I Use Brake Fluid in Power Steering? What Will Happen?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Brake fluid and power steering fluid are similar in some ways but different in others. Putting fluid somewhere it’s not supposed to go will eventually lead to problems. Even if I put just some brake fluid in the power steering system, problems would start occurring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using brake fluid in the power steering system will damage your car. These fluids may have been more similar in the past but are now very different and should only go in the system they were meant to be in. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We do sometimes have emergencies, or I might accidentally add brake fluid to the power steering system. We’ll discuss the difference between two fluids and what could happen if you substitute one for the other. Now, the question might arise what if I just temporarily put brake fluid in the power steering system? Let’s find out what to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is Power Steering Fluid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of this fluid is to provide a way to apply pressure to the hydraulic piston so your cars can turn the wheels easily.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is a Brake Fluid?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The purpose of this fluid is to provide a way to help the brakes apply pressure to the rotors, so your car can stop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What is the Difference between the Two Fluids?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Both fluids may seem similar<\/strong> to each other because of how they both work by using pressure. But they have different properties<\/strong> that only work well in each individual system. In the far past, these fluids may have been more similar, and substituting them was not so bad, but not anymore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power steering fluid<\/strong> is good at providing consistent viscosity and lubrication under hot and cold conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brake fluid <\/strong>is good at not compressing, removing moisture, lubricating, and dissipating heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is always advisable to use only power steering fluid for the power steering system and brake fluid for the brakes. You won’t have to worry about leaks caused by using the wrong fluid, excessive wear and tear, or the power steering pump breaking down. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, if you have an emergency situation<\/strong>, you can use brake fluids as power steering fluid. It is possible because both are hydraulic fluids. However, once your emergency is done, you need to drain the fluid out and replace it with power steering fluid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, you should not use power steering fluid in the braking system<\/strong> because it may cause problems<\/strong> with applying the brakes to stop the car, and the rubber seals and tubes would eventually erode when introduced to power steering fluid. There could also be heat transfer problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Removing the incorrect fluid that was used should be a priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power Steering Fluid<\/strong><\/th>Brake Fluid<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
It is a petroleum-based fluid.<\/td>It is usually a glycol-based fluid.<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
It provides a pressure transfer medium.<\/td>It is used for the brakes.<\/td><\/tr>
It works as a lubricant between metal-on-metal contacts.<\/td>It can absorb moisture to prevent corrosion.<\/td><\/tr>
It is used for dynamic steering. <\/td>It can dissipate heat and remains at the same viscosity. <\/td><\/tr>
Lubricates metal parts. <\/td>Can lubricate parts.<\/td><\/tr>
Absorbs heat and remains at the same viscosity. <\/td>High boiling point, so brakes don’t get spongy or fail.<\/td><\/tr>
Could be compressible<\/td>Not compressible<\/td><\/tr>
It can damage the brake system if used as a substitute.<\/td>Not compatible with petroleum-based fluids. <\/td><\/tr>
Degrades rubber parts in the brake system.<\/td>Non-lubricating. It will harm the power steering system if used as a substitute.<\/td><\/tr>
It could be compressible in the brake system.<\/td>It is not a good lubricant for metal-on-metal lubrication.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Many Different Fluids<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It may be hard to determine exactly what will happen if you add the wrong fluid to your system. Some fluids are very similar. The best advice is to follow your owner’s manual<\/strong> for which exact fluid your car needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some cars use transmission fluid for their power steering fluid. There may be confusion about what is OK to use<\/strong> in the power steering system. The rule of thumb is to use your owner’s manual, do research, or contact a service center<\/strong>. It’s better to get it right than have problems later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both power steering fluid and brake fluid come in wide varieties. Some fluids seem like they would be compatible, but in the end, they’re not. Each system requires specific fluid<\/strong> to function properly and any substitute, unless specifically stated, is not advisable.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What should you do if you Add Brake Fluid to Power Steering?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n